Rare 2-Inch Rhinoceros Beetle Fetches Millions in Black Market

• A two-inch Rhinoceros Beetle, part of the Scarabaeidae family, is illegally sold for millions in the black market.
• Wildlife expert Swapnil Khatal states smugglers target this rare beetle for wealthy collectors despite its common appearance.
• Small Rhinoceros Beetles can fetch 8-9 lakh rupees, while larger ones are worth millions, violating the Wildlife Act.
• Dr. Saurabh Verma, an entomologist at Valmiki Tiger Reserve, confirms only specific varieties of Rhinoceros Beetles are highly valued.
• Experts warn against illegal trade and have withheld specific details to prevent poaching and smuggling.

Why It Matters: A rare Rhinoceros Beetle is illegally traded for millions, highlighting wildlife smuggling challenges.